More than 100 million people in the U.S. experience allergies each year. When you’re spending your summers enjoying picnics, sailing off Morris Island and laying about in the sun, the last thing you want is a sneezing fit to interrupt an otherwise pleasant time.
If your allergies are too severe for medication alone, your allergy specialist may recommend immunotherapy shots.
What Are Allergy Immunotherapy Shots?
Allergy shots are a very effective, long-term treatment to reduce allergy symptoms. Shots are available for managing specific allergies, including sensitivity to:
- Pet dander
- Grass, tree and plant pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Stinging insects
Allergy shots are not currently available for food, medication or latex allergies.
How Do the Shots Work?
Allergy shots work by introducing you to small doses of an allergen you’re sensitive to, increasing the dose over time to reduce your reaction. During a shot appointment, your allergist will clean the injection site and administer the dose, typically in the upper arm. You will need to stay at the office for approximately 30 minutes following the shot in case symptoms arise. Shot symptoms may include:
- Itching
- Sneezing or coughing
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
Allergy shot schedules may differ between patients but generally include a buildup phase (one to two times a week for six to 10 months) and a maintenance phase (once a month for three to five years).
Who Can Receive Allergy Immunotherapy Shots?
Most people over the age of five can receive allergy shots. However, you shouldn’t take allergy shots if you have a fever, cold or flu, sudden asthma attacks, are taking beta-blockers (medicine treating the heart and circulatory system) or are pregnant. In most cases, you can continue taking allergy shots after these symptoms have subsided or you are finished taking beta-blockers.
If you started taking allergy shots before becoming pregnant and haven’t had any serious reactions, it is generally safe to continue, but it isn’t recommended that you start immunotherapy while pregnant.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Symptom Relief?
Symptoms usually improve within the first year of treatment, but more noticeable improvements happen in the second year. You should no longer have bad allergic reactions as you enter the third year.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how allergy immunotherapy can help you, contact Charleston ENT & Allergytoday to make an appointment with one of our specialists.